Konya, Turkey

Konya (also spelled Qonya, Koniah, Konieh, Konia, and Qunia) is an ancient city in central Turkey. It has a population of about 900,000 and is known for the piety of its residents and as the center of Sufi mysticism. Once known as Iconium, Konya is historically and religiously significant on several counts: it was one of the missionary destinations of St. Paul; the site of one of the first church councils; the capital of the Seljuk empire from 1150 to 1300; and the home of Rumi (Mevlana), the Sufi saint who founded the Whirling Dervishes. Follow a link below to explore the rich spiritual heritage of Konya.